HFI's Leadership Role Complete for the Atlantic City Long-term Recovery Group

One of the hardest aspects of a disaster is watching the news media go on to the next story, and then seeing the world quickly forget those who are still reeling from the aftermath. Life still goes on whether cameras are rolling or not. After the initial media blitz of Super Storm Sandy, Hope Force stayed behind and served for over a year in Atlantic City, New Jersey ? standing up the city?s long-term recovery center.

In November, the team finally turned over the leadership reins after investing countless hours through the many Reservists and staff who came to serve.

The next step of any community that has been impacted by a large disaster is to set up what is called a ?Long-Term Recovery Group?. This structure brings together organizations like Hope Force International, Red Cross, Salvation Army and other non-profit organizations that are able to provide assistance to those who suffered loss. This organization provides the vital link between the need and the resources.

It is very unusual for an outside organization like Hope Force to take the lead to set up a Long-Term Recovery Group, as it is usually organized and led by local individuals who create the structure for groups like HFI to, instead, serve. But, through the invitation of a local leading pastor, that is exactly what HFI did.

After a year, HFI had the privilege of turning over a well-established and funded Atlantic City Long-Term Recovery Group, back to the city. The center now has 15 full-time staff members, and has been observed to be one of the most effective Long-Term Recovery Groups in New Jersey.

Craig Snow, Program Director for Hope Force, who served as the Operations Manager for Atlantic City Long-Term Recovery Group, reflected upon his time serving the people of Atlantic City during the one-year anniversary of the storm. ?I stood for the first time in Atlantic City on October 31,2012, two days after Super Storm Sandy brought its devastating effects to shore? The early days of the disaster brought together leaders from the community that began to consider what the ?Next Steps? of recovery should be.

These discussions resulted in the formation in what is now called the, ?Atlantic City Long-Term Recovery Group?. As the one-year anniversary is upon us, we are taking time to look back and consider what has been accomplished and what lies on the horizon. Through the efforts of 1,386 volunteers donating over 50,000 hours of their time, 491 homes were mucked out, 43 homes were repaired and 37 renters were assisted with contents and rental assistance. As we continue with 56 homes currently in progress, we are forging ahead on the road to recovery, proud of what lies behind us and resolved to complete what lies ahead.?

Over 3,000 residents were impacted in some way this past year through the joint work of Hope Force and the Atlantic City Long-Term Recovery Group. We appreciate all the support that the Hope Force International family has contributed, which allowed us the privilege of making this significant deposit in Atlantic City.